WVH Fall Newsletter

We are looking forward to once again having face to face appointments. We are also extremely appreciative for everyone's patience and understanding over the last 18 months. Because of curbside care, we have been fortunate to successfully navigate this pandemic without having to close the clinic for quarantines despite having staff that is immunocompromised.

Many clinics, including emergency hospitals have had decreased capacity due to staff shortages and increased patient load. Our goal has always been to keep everyone safe and to avoid closures so we can serve as many of our patients to the best of our ability. As Covid cases decline in our county, we plan to return to in person visits after the holiday season. We are hopeful that the holiday season will not present with another surge so we can offer in person care starting in January. For those that like curbside care we will also continue to offer it as well. There will be some services that remain curbside for everyone's convenience and safety including technician appointments, surgical intakes and surgical discharges.

As much fun as the holidays are for families. There can be some lurking dangers for our pets that we should be aware of.

1. The Christmas tree can cause injury if it is not anchored appropriately and can be a source of stagnant water. Pets that drink stagnant water with bacteria may get gastrointestinal disease.
2. There are a few plants that we associate with the holidays that can be toxic including Lilies, Holly and Mistletoe.
3. Tinsel thankfully has gone out of favor, but can be very dangerous. Tinsel ingested by cats can cause string foreign bodies that requires surgical intervention.
4. Lights can cause electrocution for pets that chew on them. Candles can easily be knocked over causing wax burns.
5. While we celebrate with food, pet's should remain on their own diets. Pets should not be exposed to high fat human foods that can cause pancreatitis.
6. The holidays can be stressful to your pet with holiday guests and loud noises. Pets should stick to normal routines and have down time in a quiet place whenever possible .

Grieving the Loss of a Pet- from the desk of Dr. Eberly

Losing a beloved pet is an emotionally devastating experience. We know as pet care providers and people who adore our own, how painful it is to lose a pet.

I recently lost my beloved Lucie. I am hopeful that in sharing my grief over losing her it might help others who are going through the same sense of loss.

For some pet lovers, losing a pet is like losing a child and a friend all at the same time. Lucie was my baby girl and a best friend to me for an amazing eleven years. I cherished every single moment I had with her. I miss her sitting in the passenger seat of my car. I miss the annoyed look she gave me when our other dog Ruger was bugging her. I miss her seat stealing at the house and the sassy way she ran down the dock to ward off boats and birds. I miss the way she head butted Oliver the cat and all the bunnies she mothered. Most of all, I miss the way she snuggled in bed and helped me to wind down from the day. Three weeks later I still wake up at night reaching out to her for our middle of the night cuddle sessions.

Its hard when we lose a pet because societal norms for grievance do not always apply to the loss of a pet. Sometimes we feel embarrassed about the severity of our heartbreak. We dont take time off to properly grieve. The loss of a pet can leave significant voids in our lives and daily schedules. Our sense of purpose can be taken away. This is why in addition to emotional pain we can feel aimless, lost and lonely.

It is imperative in the process of healing that we share our feelings with others that have lost a beloved pet and support those that are experiencing a loss. There is a community of people that can relate and be helpful. We as pet lovers are always here for you. In addition to talking to friends and family I found resources listed below to be helpful. I also found memorializing Lucie with pictures in my bedroom to be helpful. I know that with each passing day the pain will get less. I know that we had an amazing long life together and that I will continue to celebrate Lucie through helping and loving all of your kids when they come in.

Pet Loss Resource Center

Pet Loss Grief Support Community Resources at Rainbow Bridge (rainbowsbridge.com)

Petloss, Chat Room, Rainbow Bridge, rainbowbridge, Candle Ceremony

Pet Loss Grief Resource | Best Friends Animal Society

Washtenaw Veterinary Hospital

2729 Packard Rd, Ann Arbor Michigan, 48116

(734)971-5800

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